Shipping Cars from Los Angeles to Minneapolis via Ocean Freight

Getting cars for international shipping demands a full wash and dry, removal or securing of all loose items, Checking for fluid leaks, and ensuring the battery is properly fastened. Logistics providers recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required ownership and customs paperwork before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside cars depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers do not allow household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers allow small quantities if they are below window level and securely fastened. We recommend confirming with your carrier in writing and understanding that personal items are often not covered by standard cargo policies, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for cars, specialists recommend starting with a completely dry vehicle, sealing all openings, and avoiding storage under sprinklers or in standing water. For longer or ocean shipments, using humidity absorbers inside the auto, applying Temporary corrosion protection to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing covered carriers wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for autos is usually restricted and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. Insurance brokers recommend purchasing All-risk cargo insurance that covers theft, impact damage, and moisture-related issues such as corrosion or water intrusion. Provide an accurate value, share recent photos and condition reports, and confirm that loading, unloading, and any storage periods are covered under the same certificate.

For international car transport, you typically need the original title or registration, a purchase invoice, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require homologation or conformity certificates. We recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

When shipping automobiles via ocean, it is essential to ensure that vehicles are properly secured in containers to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, it is important to drain fuel to comply with safety regulations and to remove any personal belongings from the vehicle to avoid customs issues.

Since both Los Angeles and Minneapolis are within the United States, there are no international customs requirements. However, vehicles must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Proper documentation, including the vehicle title and bill of sale, must be prepared for any state-specific registration upon arrival.

Users can download shipment-level data, invoices, event histories, and landed costs in Excel or PDF format, structured for finance audits, operations tracking, customer service updates, and performance analysis.

Yes, DNA manages urgent, oversized, or specialized shipments, including temperature-sensitive cargo, high-value electronics, and complex FF&E rollouts across all modes.

Yes, DNA supports this. We manage documentation, declarations, and clearance protocols for electronics, apparel, machinery, and regulated goods such as food or medical devices.